My dad has trademarked this phrase in my mind. Being a country boy through and through, he has always described the finer, more artistic side of life as “artsy fartsy.” Those of us who do have creative bones in our body have a better understanding of the need for creative expression.

Which is what led our family to Michaels. After my not-so-brilliant decision to have a “foot-loose and fancy-free” summer, the kids began to self-destruct. I don’t know about yours, but mine thrive on a schedule. I needed to redirect their energy and get their hands and minds engaged in something creative.

After a long, drawn out search for a creative (and affordable) outlet for the kids, we found Michaels! Michaels has a 7 week Camp Creativity that happens every Monday, Wednesday and Friday between 10-12. For one hour, at $2-5 per kid (depends on age), my kids can do something that engages their hands and minds. By the time we get ready, drive into town, create something and drive back, its lunch time. Which is what I call a “mom win.”

Plus, I get to shop the store for a glorious hour. The girls are too young to join, so they go with me and we play with all we see. Aside from the pretend apple that now has Ruthie’s bite marks in it… (sorry Michaels, she was hungry), we haven’t had any casualties. Just lots of fun.

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pray for them

We are creative because God is creative. His crowing achievement is us. He calls us his workmanship and He is always perfecting and creating new beauty in each of us. What a wonderful gift to look at a time in our life and say with distinction, “That is God’s thumb print.”

Father, make (Name) your “workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which [you] prepared beforehand, that [he/she] should walk in them.” In Jesus’ name I pray, amen.  -Ephesians 2:10

Prayers taken from the BiblicalPrayers mobile app. Download today on the App Store or Google Play store.

 

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Garlic Parmesan Chicken

This was so good our dinner was quiet and usually I’m wishing for ear plugs.

Last night I used chicken legs instead of wings because they are more meat for your work, but you can use whichever you want.

• 10-12 Chicken Legs
• 6 Tbsp Butter (divided)
• 1 Tbsp minced Garlic
• 1 tsp powdered garlic
• 1 tsp powdered onion powder
• 1 tsp Salt
• 1/2 Tsp Pepper
• 2 Tbsp Parmesan Cheese (Grated and divided)
• 2 Tbsp Dried Parsley (divided)

Preheat oven to 400 and line a baking sheet with greased foil. In a mixing bowl, melt 4 tbsp of butter and add minced garlic, salt, pepper, Parmesan cheese and parsley. Roll raw chicken legs in the marinade and lay on them on the prepared baking sheet so they do not touch. Bake for 35-40 minutes turning chicken once half way through.

While baking, melt the remaining butter and add 1 tbsp powdered garlic, 1 tbsp Parmesan cheese, dried parsley and 1 tsp onion powder. When chicken is fully cooked, remove from oven and drizzle with the butter mixture. Serve immediately with lots of napkins.